The Neurological Alliance (a campaigning organisation for people with neurological conditions) are calling for an increase in services and has warned that “the NHS in England is facing a time bomb if it does not get to grips with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease”.

This timely warning made on behalf of those coping with neurological conditions could be extended to the problems faced by survivors of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury

Causes of a traumatic brain injury can include a road accident, sports accident or slips and trips.

The effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can depend on a number of different factors, including the nature of the injury and its severity. A traumatic brain injury can cause a change in behaviour, memory loss, poor attention and concentration, epilepsy, paralysis and communication problems. A TBI can be permanent or temporary.

Andrew McDonald, a Serious Injury Solicitor for Thompsons said: “The common experience of Brain Injury survivors is one of high quality acute services but post discharge, the quality of care, rehabilitation and support is widely variable. Thompsons have offices across the UK and the quality of TBI post discharge care is in our experience a postcode lottery.

“It is essential that TBI survivors who all have serious injuries are treated by neurological specialists throughout their treatment and rehabilitation. Far too often TBI patients do not have access to the consistent specialist provision that they so desperately need.

“Hopefully the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, who this month identified a need for a commitment to improved services in this field will follow through with their assessment and secure the delivery of a consistent quality service across the UK. If that happens patients will benefit and in the longer term the NHS will save money”.